A Review and Implementation Framework of Industrial Augmented Reality

The implementation of digital technologies, especially Augmented Reality (AR), in industrial environments is a great challenge for companies due to individual requirements and specifications of each system. After a brief introduction to the topic of AR and the associated digitalization in industrial companies, this paper describes the methodological approach of the applied systematic literature review (SLR) and the results on which the implementation concept is based. 13 AR-related frameworks wholly or partially related to the introduction and integration of this technology in value-adding (manufacturing and assembly) and/or non-value-adding (logistics and maintenance) processes have been assessed. The main part of the paper comprises a concept derived from the literature that is enhanced towards stepwise managerial implementation of AR in the industrial environment. This concept includes a total of four dimensions, two of which are technical (technological and process dimension) and two of which are non-technical (social and organizational dimension). In addition, six process steps have been identified. This matrix is completed by the temporal classification into before, during and after implementation. Based on this organizational concept, industrial companies should be able to introduce AR processes and procedures faster, more efficiently and in a more targeted manner and thus support the deployment of the technology as such. Processes should be optimised in the long term through the introduction of AR. Some processes are suitable for the implementation, while others are not (yet) suitable for AR due to various factors.